Inside a forest of concrete columns, eight boys from Evergreen Middle School gazed up at the 36-foot walls of the Will Crandall Reservoir. Twisting the edge of his neon yellow safety vest, seventh-grader Justin Hicks raised his hand and asked, "How many people did it take to make this happen?"

Brad Phelps, vice president of the engineering firm CH2M HILL, explained to the students about the host of construction workers, engineers, and water officials involved in the creation of Hillsboro's newest drinking water reservoir.

Through a partnership between Hillsboro Water and Evergreen Middle School, Phelps is showing students how science, technology, engineering and math are used in real-life projects, like creating a reservoir. The hope is that such lessons will encourage youngsters to pursue a career in a STEM field.

As the world's emphasis on technology continues to grow, Phelps said that in 10 to 20 years, careers in STEM fields will be even more vital. The No. 1 problem, he said, will be finding enough qualified engineers.

It's not every day that people get to tour the insides of a $23 million, 10-million-gallon drinking water reservoir. But the reservoir's location across the street piqued the interest of Evergreen Principal Rian Petrick.

When the Hillsboro Water Department hosted a community meeting at the school in January 2012, Petrick spoke with Hillsboro Water Public Information Officer Tacy Steele about connecting the school with the reservoir project. Soon after, Steele returned with a proposal -- a two-year education partnership between the city and Evergreen Middle School, creating an avenue for students interested in engineering to explore the field through real-life experience.

With firsthand observation and further education, Steele said the water department hopes students will take a more active interest in drinking water issues, such as building reservoirs.

Evergreen has been relieved of most of the program's expenses, with the city providing $2,500 for needed materials. In addition, the city covers the costs of speakers, tours and transportation to various water-treatment facilities.

When Petrick approached Evergreen science teacher Neil Hess about being the lead teacher for the school's STEM club, Hess, a self-proclaimed nerd, was an easy "yes." Hess said he hoped for interest among the students, but he didn't need to worry. Soon after the club's creation, a dozen students joined.

The STEM club meets after school every Wednesday, and Hillsboro Water provides them with interactive lessons on water supply and engineering principals, and brings in speakers with STEM-related professions.

The students have toured the Crandall Reservoir construction site several times to observe the building process -- from the moment the crew started drilling, to the seismic coding, to pouring the concrete foundation.

"You don't usually think about how many steps it takes to get fresh water from the river to be filtered, stored and then sent to pipes where it comes into your home," Hess said. "It really gives you greater appreciation."

This week, the club toured the reservoir, where the construction crew completed a quarter of the roof laying.

The boys stood on the new roof, gathered around Phelps as he explained the importance of making sure the cement is to the engineers' exact specifications.

While the other boys tiptoed over metal bars, Hicks stayed behind to ask Phelps more questions.

"Do you test the cement often, or just hope that it's OK?"

"We don't hope," Phelps said. "There's no hoping in engineering. We have to know it's right."

As the students learn about the inner workings of reservoirs and other engineering feats, Hess has seen them become inspired to dream bigger.

"These things end up being a catalyst for young minds," Hess said. "Down the road, these students could be making big things happen."

With a group of engineers, construction members and water department officials, Phelps talked about the partnership with the Evergreen students, which will continue until the reservoir's completion in 2014.

"This group is really the cream of the crop," Phelps said. "They are way ahead of where I was when I was their age. Some of the questions they ask are so advanced that it catches me off guard."

"At the rate they're learning, one of these kids is going to be your boss someday," Hillsboro water engineer Erika Murphy said.

As the boys walked back to Evergreen, singing songs about cells and Spongebob, Phelps nodded his head. "You're probably right."